Bayer HealthCare supports efforts in fight against heartworm disease in companion animals

With nearly half of the world’s population infected with at least one type of vector-borne disease, this year the World Health Organisation (WHO) has selected the theme of vector-borne diseases as a priority concern area of public health.[i]

For pets and humans, vector-borne diseases may be transmitted via parasites including ticks (Lyme disease), fleas (bartonellosis), and sand flies (leishmaniosis), and are a growing public health threat for millions that have a tremendous cost to countries.[ii]

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that is transmitted through mosquitos, and affects dogs and cats of any age or breed around the world. Bayer HealthCare announced encouraging outcomes from its support of two independent efforts towards improving the treatment and diagnosis of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs and cats.

“Heartworm disease is a worldwide clinical problem and we are pleased to support research efforts that lessen the impact of the disease to improve the health of animals. Bayer has over 100 years of parasitology experience, and we know the importance of ongoing research for new innovations and breakthroughs,” says Dr Dirk Ehle, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer HealthCare and President of the Animal Health division. “Healthy animals contribute to a better world, and Bayer has distinct advantage of being able to develop innovations that benefit animals and public health.”

Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms living in the lungs and/or heart of the cat or dog. The disease is estimated by the American Heartworm Society (AHS) to annually infect approximately one million canines in the US alone.iii In cats the disease has traditionally been much more difficult to diagnose.

Bayer has been a participant in the fight against vector-borne disease for more than 50 years. The efforts to deal better with this issue continues through our constant research in this area. Bayer is committed to making lives better for human and animals.

References:
1. Vector-Borne Diseases: Understanding the Environmental, Human Health, and Ecological Connections, Workshop Summary (Forum on Microbial Threats) ( 2008 ) / Summary and Assessment. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.
2. Lymedisease.org (2013)
3. Weyenberg, K. (2009). Team Up Against Heartworm. The Team, pg. 10-12.

EP News Bureau – Mumbai